Connecticut Gun Control Laws

Carry permits in the state of Connecticut are actually first issued by the applicant’s town police department. Before the permit is issued, the department must first perform a background check and fingerprinting on each applicant. The towns may create their own requirements, including a required letter of reference, picture, or a personal essay. However, the applicant is not required by state law to follow these rules and can appeal a negative decision at the Connecticut Board of Firearms Permit Examiners.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

The state of Connecticut has the following regulations regarding the illegal possession of firearms:

• Sec. 53-206 prohibits the carrying of dangerous weapons with a punishment of no more than 3 years in prison and no more than $500 in fines.
• Sec. 53a-217 says that a criminal possession of a firearm or electronic defense weapon is punishable as a class D felony.
• Sec. 53a. 217b states that possession of a weapon n school grounds is a class D felony.
• Sec. 53.206d. charges those individuals who possess guns while under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a class B misdemeanor.

Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of Connecticut

Connecticut Gun Purchasing Laws

Firearms dealers must ensure that their customers have legal permits in the state of Connecticut before making a sale. They must also keep records of all sales for a minimum of five years. Any person who is 21 years of age or older, who wishes to purchase a pistol or revolver, has to complete a handgun safety course, must be fingerprinted and pay all appropriate fees. The permit is valid for five years.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

• The Commissioner of Public Safety in Connecticut must be notified within two business days of any address changes.
• A certificate of eligibility is not the same as a permit and will not be received as such in a court of law.
• A firearm may be temporarily transferred to an individual under the age of 21, if he or she is supervised by a person with a legal permit.
• No firearm should be transferred without a reusable trigger, gun lock or gun locking device.

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Connecticut

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Connecticut

A statute exists in the state of Connecticut that says that an individual is justified, by law, in using reasonable force upon another person to defend himself, herself, or another individual from what he or she believes to be a physical threat from another person.

Legal Help

Legal help for firearms offenses can be sought from lawyers who specialize in civil and criminal defense.